We are a collaborative foundation with a passion for science and sustainability.

We love to translate scientific innovation into scalable solutions

The climate crisis affects all of us daily. Science offers solutions, but the translation into practice is often missing. At BRANCH Foundation, we make true impact by applying innovative science on a large scale. With our expertise and strong collaborations with leading universities, we take concrete steps and transparently monitor our progress.

What we're built on

  • That early experience in the Caribbean still shapes how we work: with urgency, and with the conviction that coral deserves more than incremental progress.

  • While technology is our means, coral adaptation remains our top priority. So we searched for adaptation research with real scaling potential. That search led us to Assisted Evolution: deliberately accelerating natural adaptation so coral can keep pace with a warming ocean.

  • Everything we do builds on proven science. We work closely with leading universities to turn new discoveries into methods and technology that actually work in practice.

  • Real impact requires local knowledge. We equip local partners worldwide with the science and systems to adapt and restore their own reefs.

Team member, Stan Overwijn, reaching into a coral nursery tank to tend coral fragments under blue light

Inspired by our voluntary work in Dutch Carribean

During our time volunteering and living in the Caribbean, we witnessed firsthand how rapidly coral reefs are declining. The scale and urgency of reef decline became immediately clear, pushing us to focus on solutions where we can make a bigger impact.

Back in the Netherlands, together with Wageningen University & Research, we explored a different approach: cultivating resilient coral on land. Land-based cultivation enables controlled growth and large-scale production, but requires technological innovation and industrialization. Driven by this vision, BRANCH Foundation was established in the Netherlands in 2024.

 

Meet the Team

  • Profile picture of Maarten

    Maarten van der Kuijl

    Maarten is an internationally-oriented entrepreneur with a background in electrical engineering and environmental science. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, he applies his experience to support BRANCH's mission-driven initiatives.

  • Profile picture of Stan

    Stan Overwijn

    From exploring the mind to restoring reefs, neuropsychologist Stan has taken on a fresh mission. BRANCH reignites his drive to make a lasting impact on the world.

  • Profile picture of Maarten

    Maarten van Aalst

    Maarten has always worked in the commercial sector but has a strong passion for nature. After volunteering in coral restoration on Curaçao, he was inspired to continue this important work

  • Portrait of Daniëlle Geschiere, Marine Biologist and PHD candidate at BRANCH Foundation

    Daniëlle Geschiere

    Daniëlle is our dedicated marine biologist, bringing valuable expertise to our coral restoration projects. Her commitment to ocean conservation aligns perfectly with BRANCH's mission to protect and revitalize coral reefs.

  • Profile picture of Jasper

    Jasper Rijk

    With a background in user experience design and a passion for nature related sports, Jasper complements the team by looking at the challenges from a different perspective.

  • Portrait of Micky van de Waarsenburg, Marine Biologist at BRANCH Foundation

    Micky van de Waarsenburg

    With expertise in coral physiology and husbandry, Micky keeps our corals healthy while continuously working to improve our nursery systems. By contributing to coral conservation here at BRANCH Foundation, he hopes to make the world a little better every day.

How we’re organized

BRANCH operates through two closely connected entities, each with a distinct role. Together, science and technology come together to turn coral adaptation from a promising idea into a solution that works, and can be applied anywhere reefs need it.

BRANCH Foundation logo

BRANCH Foundation is the non-profit driving the mission. We lead the scientific research into heat-tolerant algae, run our innovation hub, coordinate our international expansion, and build awareness for coral reefs and the urgency of adaptation. Every step we take is guided by one goal: giving coral reefs a future.

Logo for BRANCH APPLICATIONS, featuring the word 'BRANCH' with a stylized branch design beside it, and the word 'APPLICATIONS' underneath.

BRANCH Applications is our technology partner. This company was established in response to a lack of efficient tools and systems needed to achieve the goals of the BRANCH Foundation. By combining automation, monitoring, data, and practical expertise, we create tools that make coral cultivation more controlled, efficient, and scalable.

→ Learn more on the BRANCH Applications website

Official documents

ANBI standaardformulier (Dutch)

This form provides key information on our mission, activities, and finances, as required for Dutch Public Benefit Organizations (ANBI) status.

Foundation policy plan 2026 (Dutch)

This document outlines our mission, goals, and strategy, guiding our work and impact as a foundation.

Annual report 2025

Our Annual Report provides an overview of our activities, achievements, and financials over the past year.

Annual report 2024

Financial report 2025 (Dutch)

An overview of our financial performance in 2025.

Financial report 2024 (Dutch)